The Pleated Maxi Skirt

12:00 AM

I've been seeing maxi skirts everywhere and I wanted one too. They seem pretty simple to make, so I didn't bother seeking out a pattern. From the ones I've seen in stores, I knew I wanted mine to be 45" long. That seem to be the ideal length. And possibly longer depending on my heel height.

I used the plissé fabric that I'd talked about. And since I'd never worked with this kind of fabric before, the Threads "Designer Techniques" issue was very handy.

I basically cut two pieces of fabric that were 42" wide. If you're wondering how I came up with that width? I saw a skirt in the store that was around those dimensions. The pleats run from selvage to selvage. Since this fabric does not fray, I didn't bother finishing the seams or hemming. And I added elastic at the waist. I thought the fabric would be difficult to cut and work with, but it wasn't. I found a ballpoint needle worked best.

Vogue Fabrics sells pleated fabric in solid colors by special order. Some of the fabrics are really pretty. It's not cheap....I think it's more than $25 a yard, but it would be stunning for a statement dress.

I was in Anthropologie today and saw a skirt and said "yes" it finally is tall enough... then I realized it was supposed to be a dress. Ha! It can be both!! Love this. Thanks for being so inspirational!